Sugden highlights increase
in domestic abuse crimes

East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden says she is ‘concerned’ at the rise in domestic abuse incidents and crimes.

The MLA was commenting on figures released last week for the last quarter.

“The latest figures follow an upward trend in the last decade; 28,189 incidents in the latest twelve months is the second highest level recorded since 2004/05.

“ 13,5599 domestic abuse crimes in the same time frame is again the highest number recorded in the last ten years. These figures are concerning,” she said. “In the Causeway Coast and Glens area, the PSNI and other agencies have worked to bring the number of domestic abuse incidents down by seven from this time last year. I commend this hard work on the ground. However, in the same time frame there has been an increase of 94 domestic abuse crimes.

“This shows that there is still a lot of work to do to put an end to domestic violence and abuse.”

The MLA, who is Secretary on the All Party Group on Domestic Abuse, says she has raised the issue with the Justice Minister and the First and Deputy First Ministers. “